Ford Explorer Sport

Ford Explorer Sport is the new addition to the range of this successful American SUV. With all kind of sporty SUVs around, Ford needed a special model to keep the game up.

The Explorer Sport is powered by a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 engine making at least 350 horsepower and has four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System. So it’s a pretty capable car as far as functionality matters. For the 2013 model year, Ford Explorer Sport brings high-performance SUV power and projected fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway

But the Sport is more about looks and feel. So it also gets unique visual features and interior appointments. Ford Explorer Sport has unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, features blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof rack rails, sideview mirror skull caps and a liftgate appliqué. Inside you get two-tone leather upholstery, sports trims and unique logos.

Ford press release:

The Ford Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better fuel efficiency.

The chassis also has been specially reinforced, making Ford Explorer Sport stiffer and improving its handling.

Ford Explorer Sport also brings a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with a faster ratio, providing more responsiveness to drivers both on-road and off.

The Ford Explorer Sport’s special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh, with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars. The black front lower fascia features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement. Subtle Sport and EcoBoost badges at the rear finish the liftgate.

Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts.

The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Ford Explorer Sport’s sculptured seats.